Magnet on outside hatch

[katiekate]

We had a problem with the magnet on the outside hatch when we first got it. It was replaced. Now a year later, the magnet doesn't hold again. The magnets will each hold a wrench, but will not hold the door up for longer than a minute. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance.

[JRTJH]

It almost sounds like the door frame is warped along the top. If the magnet will hold a wrench, it's not the magnet that's at fault. Sounds more like the door is pulling away from the magnet (spring action). You might try "tweeking" the top of the door by using a screwdriver inside the frame along the top edge to bend it out a touch to take some of the tension off the door when it's in the open position.

If not that, possibly the vinyl weather stripping is not bending enough to allow the door to fully open???

Otherwise, I'd be out of ideas.

[GmaPaTime]

I'm having an exact same issue on one of our basement doors. The door would stay open until the slightest movement of the trailer and then it would let go. This happened one time while I was removing something from the basement and it closed on my back. Not fun!!!!

It appears that the surface the hinge is mounted on is slightly curved in which is binding the hinge. Our trailer is presently at the dealer having this and couple other minor repairs taken care of.

[dwkhumble]

Taking mine in tomorrow for the same thing. It seems to work when it's extremely warm out.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by GmaPaTime

I'm having an exact same issue on one of our basement doors. The door would stay open until the slightest movement of the trailer and then it would let go. This happened one time while I was removing something from the basement and it closed on my back. Not fun!!!!

It appears that the surface the hinge is mounted on is slightly curved in which is binding the hinge. Our trailer is presently at the dealer having this and couple other minor repairs taken care of.

Originally Posted by dwkhumble

Taking mine in tomorrow for the same thing. It seems to work when it's extremely warm out.

When you get the repairs done, please post the "fix" so others can possibly save a trip to the dealership and/or an "expensive repair bill for a simple task". Thanks !!!

[GmaPaTime]

Planned on doing just that John

If it wasn't under warranty, I would loosing the hinge from the center outward in both directions and put shims in until binding stops. Hardest part would be removing the sealant.